Missional Community sounds big, but I'm wondering what simple ways we can think of for community houses and small groups to be on mission (a.k.a. be the church) in our communities.
Our larger community can band together to do the big stuff (like start a coffee house, and hold larger gatherings, and bigger endeavors)
But small groups hit the streets. Relationships get real, dirty, awkward when you try to "love your neighbor"
I think the conversation we were having last night about a specific vision for each group emerging out of the group will be helpful in defining each groups mission.
But how do we love our neighbors. How do we be light? Represent Jesus? I like the way the message translates John 1:
The Word became flesh and blood,
and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes,
the one-of-a-kind glory,
like Father, like Son,
Generous inside and out,
true from start to finish.
What would Uptown look like if our neighbors started saying that? "Jesus moved into the neighborhood through these folks. I saw it with my own eyes. Generous, loving, true..."
Here are a few things that I've seen us do so far:
1) participate in monthly neighborhood council meetings. YOu meet lots of people who care about your community.
You can see all the neighborhoods and find out when they meet at http://uptowncincinnati.com/
2) participate in clean up days (Come to the Corryville Clean up Saturday 4/25 at 9:00 am at Corryville Rec Center)
3) just reach out to neighbors in need - maybe buy a $20 bicycle from them. Or give them some... wait what's that stuff called again? Oh yeah, "corn." Just sayin. :-)
4) the art party for kids in the neighborhood
What other ways can we express love to our neighbors?
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
RESET
Welcome to RESET (D'Vine style)!! My name is Rachel, and my calling is food :) I've never been much of a writer, but I wanted to share some "food for thought" about our journey so far (get it? food for thought? haha). Prepare yourself--that awful pun was just the beginning.
Aaron's talk this week included my #1 favorite story from the Bible--The Parable of the Lost Son. But "favorite" isn't really the right word, because it can (and frequently is) used for very trivial things. Like a favorite color, favorite holiday, favorite food... Not bad, but not meaningful either. The Parable of the Lost Son is the one that consistently and irrevocably shakes me; grips my heart and brings me to tears; reminds me of the absurdity of God's love for me. If you heard Aaron's talk, then you know what I mean. The son hurt his father in a very real and lasting way--he took his inheritance before his father was dead, and threw it away as if it were meaningless. As if his father's life and work meant nothing to him. The father in the parable had every right, and every expectation according to custom, to disinherit his son and cut him off from the entire community.
When I stop the story here, it gives me a moment to feel some anguish for the ways and times I've turned from God--to remember that those choices break His heart as well as mine. I move on though, because the story isn't over. The father doesn't just forgive his son. He receives his son in joy, as if there is nothing to forgive. The father doesn't ask the son to start paying back the squandered wealth. The father restores the son, and rejoices over his return. Incredible. A love so powerful, so deep, and so strong, it doesn't just love through the betrayal--it loves away the betrayal.
So you've heard the story. (And if you want to read it for yourself, see Luke 15:11-32). The incredible, powerful, meaningful parable that gives us a glimpse into how much God loves us and longs for us to return to Him. Maybe now the practical voice in your head (don't you all have a voice in your head that asks you questions?) is asking you this: What does it mean for me? What does it mean for the way I live my life? It's important, sure, but why?
I can't tell you why it might be important for you, but I can tell you what it means to me. Imagine for a minute that the son had persisted in his original plan to make amends to his father by earning back what he had lost. From the perspective of the son, it would be impossible (Aaron did the math for us--a day laborer couldn't possibly earn enough money). From the perspective of the father, though--what could be more hurtful except for the son to reject the father's forgiveness and love, and to persist in earning his way back? Is that how God feels when we treat our faith like a to-do list? Like a bunch of obligations that earn us a ticket to heaven? Jesus died for our sins while we were still sinners. Doesn't it seem like it would break his heart if we said "Gee thanks for that, it was real swell of you, but if you don't mind, I think I will keep working to earn my way into your grace"?
So what does that change about the way I live my life? When I remember it, my faith is renewed in joy. I accepted the task of coordinating dinners for RESET NOT because I love cooking. And I do love cooking--but as a slightly obsessive perfectionist, the idea of cooking for so many people was daunting. I accepted the task because it's one way I can pour out to others the love Jesus has for me. He fed people in all kinds of ways, including the practical bread-and-fish, food-in-your-stomach sense. So when I remember (and sometimes I need a reminder), I peel potatoes and sweep floors and wash dishes with joy. Because I'm not sweeping a floor for the sake of sweeping a floor. We're part of the mission, no matter which part, to show Jesus's absurd love to our community. And to feed people.
-Rachel
Aaron's talk this week included my #1 favorite story from the Bible--The Parable of the Lost Son. But "favorite" isn't really the right word, because it can (and frequently is) used for very trivial things. Like a favorite color, favorite holiday, favorite food... Not bad, but not meaningful either. The Parable of the Lost Son is the one that consistently and irrevocably shakes me; grips my heart and brings me to tears; reminds me of the absurdity of God's love for me. If you heard Aaron's talk, then you know what I mean. The son hurt his father in a very real and lasting way--he took his inheritance before his father was dead, and threw it away as if it were meaningless. As if his father's life and work meant nothing to him. The father in the parable had every right, and every expectation according to custom, to disinherit his son and cut him off from the entire community.
When I stop the story here, it gives me a moment to feel some anguish for the ways and times I've turned from God--to remember that those choices break His heart as well as mine. I move on though, because the story isn't over. The father doesn't just forgive his son. He receives his son in joy, as if there is nothing to forgive. The father doesn't ask the son to start paying back the squandered wealth. The father restores the son, and rejoices over his return. Incredible. A love so powerful, so deep, and so strong, it doesn't just love through the betrayal--it loves away the betrayal.
So you've heard the story. (And if you want to read it for yourself, see Luke 15:11-32). The incredible, powerful, meaningful parable that gives us a glimpse into how much God loves us and longs for us to return to Him. Maybe now the practical voice in your head (don't you all have a voice in your head that asks you questions?) is asking you this: What does it mean for me? What does it mean for the way I live my life? It's important, sure, but why?
I can't tell you why it might be important for you, but I can tell you what it means to me. Imagine for a minute that the son had persisted in his original plan to make amends to his father by earning back what he had lost. From the perspective of the son, it would be impossible (Aaron did the math for us--a day laborer couldn't possibly earn enough money). From the perspective of the father, though--what could be more hurtful except for the son to reject the father's forgiveness and love, and to persist in earning his way back? Is that how God feels when we treat our faith like a to-do list? Like a bunch of obligations that earn us a ticket to heaven? Jesus died for our sins while we were still sinners. Doesn't it seem like it would break his heart if we said "Gee thanks for that, it was real swell of you, but if you don't mind, I think I will keep working to earn my way into your grace"?
So what does that change about the way I live my life? When I remember it, my faith is renewed in joy. I accepted the task of coordinating dinners for RESET NOT because I love cooking. And I do love cooking--but as a slightly obsessive perfectionist, the idea of cooking for so many people was daunting. I accepted the task because it's one way I can pour out to others the love Jesus has for me. He fed people in all kinds of ways, including the practical bread-and-fish, food-in-your-stomach sense. So when I remember (and sometimes I need a reminder), I peel potatoes and sweep floors and wash dishes with joy. Because I'm not sweeping a floor for the sake of sweeping a floor. We're part of the mission, no matter which part, to show Jesus's absurd love to our community. And to feed people.
-Rachel
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
When You Pray...
And when you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat? Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense His grace. (Matthew 6:5-6, The Message)
On Sunday, Aaron told a story about UK worship leader and songwriter Matt Redman and his song, "The Heart of Worship." He said Redman was "famous" among worship leaders, and said that it was "a little weird" to think of someone becoming famous for leading people into God's presence. I agree. I've attended "worship concerts" before (even paying money and getting searched at the door at Bogart's, but that's another story for another time). It can be a great experience. But sometimes you wonder where the focus is. Is all the fancy stuff happening on stage helping me focus on God? Should I be paying money to experience God's presence? Am I geeked out over meeting with God or about seeing some sort of worship rock star?
Similarly, there are some people who are sought out for how they pray out loud. Someone I know (a dedicated follower of Jesus who happened to have a little experience in acting and public speaking) was asked once to pray in front of a group gathered for (I'm totally serious) a "concert of prayer." (In all fairness, the intentions behind such events are good. It's an opportunity for a group to gather and participate in a structured prayer experience. The "concert of prayer" terminology, in my opinion, is a bit unfortunate.)
Prayer is not meant to be a performance before other people. Honestly, we don't even need to approach prayer with "performance anxiety" before God. Romans 8:15 tells us, "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.'" (A couple of helpful hints... The "Spirit of sonship" referred to here is the Holy Spirit. When someone starts a relationship with Jesus, the Holy Spirit fills that person. And that person is adopted into God's family. Therefore, "Spirit of sonship." And "Abba" is Aramaic for "Daddy.") We're to approach our holy God with the respect and honor He's due, for sure. But we are to approach Him confidently. Prayer is simply having a conversation with a God who loves us so much that He gave His Son for us. He gave His life so we could approach Him. He's our Father in heaven. He loves it when we spend time with Him. And it's pretty good for us, too. Prayer is a key tool God gives us so that we can participate in the work of His kingdom. And it helps us stay connected to Him.
The Bible is filled with examples of people whose lives were shaped by prayer, by intimate encounters with God. Moses was described as someone God talked with as if He were talking with a friend. Hannah (mom of Samuel, the judge and prophet who led Israel in the transition between the judges and the kings) poured out her heart in the tabernacle (where the Israelites worshiped before Solomon's temple was built), crying out about her struggles with infertility. David had a very open, honest relationship with God. At times, he was singing and dancing with joy before God. At other times, he was confessing sin or stricken with fear or sadness as he was faced with opposition and betrayal from others. The Psalms (attributed to David and others) show a full spectrum of real, authentic prayer.
There's so much to say about prayer that many, many books have been written on the subject. Lots of great resources are out there. For now, let's get practical. :) If you're new to prayer or just needing a prayer pick-me-up (we all do sometimes), here are some tips:
-Establish a regular space and time for prayer. Life gets crazy. Some married couples need to plan date nights in order to keep the flame going. And sometimes we need some structure in relating to God stay focused on Him.
-Journaling is great for capturing one's journey with God. You can pour out your prayers on paper, if you're so inclined. Or you can jot down things you're learning from God or things you're praying about. Or you can use some sort of recording device, if that's closer to your inclination. It's just good to have something you can look back on over the years to remember how far you've come. I've found it helpful for processing things on a short-term basis, too. (Are there any recurring themes in what I'm learning, for example? Is God trying to tell me something with that?)
-Talking to God out loud. (For this one, it's probably especially important to follow Jesus' words in Matthew 6 about finding space alone with God. :) Talk to Him as if He were in the room. If you belong to Jesus, He is in the room.
-Praying during walks or runs is great, especially in colorful times of year. You can thank Him for the beauty of creation. It's also a good prompt for praying for your neighborhood.
-Come to the prayer gathering Thursday night at the South House! It will be an informal time of people chatting with God together and seeking out what He might add to the conversation.
-Receive prayer at Sunday gatherings. This is a little random, but I was watching the film Juno recently, and I was struck that Juno has her BFF come with her to tell her parents the news of her pregnancy. Juno was scared to talk to her parents, and having her friend there made it a little easier. We can always talk to God, and He always wants to talk to us. There's no need for fear. But sometimes it's good to have someone talk to God with us (with us, not for us). And Jesus tells us that He is present whenever two or more people come to Him in prayer. People are ready to pray with you after each gathering in the loft.
-Worship (meaning any act meant to show love, admiration, and respect for God) and prayer go together. I'm a little biased, of course, but I think worship through music is pretty meaningful. I've heard musical worship described as "prayer set to music." When we sing as a group at our gatherings, that's the goal. And because worship through music is helpful for me, I try to listen to other people's "prayers set to music" on a regular basis, sometimes during my not-so-quiet times :), other times in the car or while doing stuff around the apartment. Of course, music's not the only way we can worship God. Other spiritual disciplines (like fasting, as Aaron's blogged about, or digging into the Bible) or creating art or service or seeking justice for others can all be ways to show God that we love Him. For more ideas, check out this helpful website <http://common.northpoint.org/sacredpathway.html> to get a sense of how you were wired to worship.
-Let the Bible guide your prayers. Prayer is conversation with God, and one of the ways we can hear Him speak is through the Bible. (If you think you're hearing something from God that contradicts the Bible, you're not hearing from God.) Again, there are lots of great resources for learning to understand the Bible (and we are all learning to understand, trust me :), so I won't go into all that either. Incorporate reading the Bible into spending time with God, and see what happens!
All of this is simply to say that there is a God who wants us to spend time with Him, who made us for unending conversation with Him. Let's press on to know Him more deeply.
- Candyce
On Sunday, Aaron told a story about UK worship leader and songwriter Matt Redman and his song, "The Heart of Worship." He said Redman was "famous" among worship leaders, and said that it was "a little weird" to think of someone becoming famous for leading people into God's presence. I agree. I've attended "worship concerts" before (even paying money and getting searched at the door at Bogart's, but that's another story for another time). It can be a great experience. But sometimes you wonder where the focus is. Is all the fancy stuff happening on stage helping me focus on God? Should I be paying money to experience God's presence? Am I geeked out over meeting with God or about seeing some sort of worship rock star?
Similarly, there are some people who are sought out for how they pray out loud. Someone I know (a dedicated follower of Jesus who happened to have a little experience in acting and public speaking) was asked once to pray in front of a group gathered for (I'm totally serious) a "concert of prayer." (In all fairness, the intentions behind such events are good. It's an opportunity for a group to gather and participate in a structured prayer experience. The "concert of prayer" terminology, in my opinion, is a bit unfortunate.)
Prayer is not meant to be a performance before other people. Honestly, we don't even need to approach prayer with "performance anxiety" before God. Romans 8:15 tells us, "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.'" (A couple of helpful hints... The "Spirit of sonship" referred to here is the Holy Spirit. When someone starts a relationship with Jesus, the Holy Spirit fills that person. And that person is adopted into God's family. Therefore, "Spirit of sonship." And "Abba" is Aramaic for "Daddy.") We're to approach our holy God with the respect and honor He's due, for sure. But we are to approach Him confidently. Prayer is simply having a conversation with a God who loves us so much that He gave His Son for us. He gave His life so we could approach Him. He's our Father in heaven. He loves it when we spend time with Him. And it's pretty good for us, too. Prayer is a key tool God gives us so that we can participate in the work of His kingdom. And it helps us stay connected to Him.
The Bible is filled with examples of people whose lives were shaped by prayer, by intimate encounters with God. Moses was described as someone God talked with as if He were talking with a friend. Hannah (mom of Samuel, the judge and prophet who led Israel in the transition between the judges and the kings) poured out her heart in the tabernacle (where the Israelites worshiped before Solomon's temple was built), crying out about her struggles with infertility. David had a very open, honest relationship with God. At times, he was singing and dancing with joy before God. At other times, he was confessing sin or stricken with fear or sadness as he was faced with opposition and betrayal from others. The Psalms (attributed to David and others) show a full spectrum of real, authentic prayer.
There's so much to say about prayer that many, many books have been written on the subject. Lots of great resources are out there. For now, let's get practical. :) If you're new to prayer or just needing a prayer pick-me-up (we all do sometimes), here are some tips:
-Establish a regular space and time for prayer. Life gets crazy. Some married couples need to plan date nights in order to keep the flame going. And sometimes we need some structure in relating to God stay focused on Him.
-Journaling is great for capturing one's journey with God. You can pour out your prayers on paper, if you're so inclined. Or you can jot down things you're learning from God or things you're praying about. Or you can use some sort of recording device, if that's closer to your inclination. It's just good to have something you can look back on over the years to remember how far you've come. I've found it helpful for processing things on a short-term basis, too. (Are there any recurring themes in what I'm learning, for example? Is God trying to tell me something with that?)
-Talking to God out loud. (For this one, it's probably especially important to follow Jesus' words in Matthew 6 about finding space alone with God. :) Talk to Him as if He were in the room. If you belong to Jesus, He is in the room.
-Praying during walks or runs is great, especially in colorful times of year. You can thank Him for the beauty of creation. It's also a good prompt for praying for your neighborhood.
-Come to the prayer gathering Thursday night at the South House! It will be an informal time of people chatting with God together and seeking out what He might add to the conversation.
-Receive prayer at Sunday gatherings. This is a little random, but I was watching the film Juno recently, and I was struck that Juno has her BFF come with her to tell her parents the news of her pregnancy. Juno was scared to talk to her parents, and having her friend there made it a little easier. We can always talk to God, and He always wants to talk to us. There's no need for fear. But sometimes it's good to have someone talk to God with us (with us, not for us). And Jesus tells us that He is present whenever two or more people come to Him in prayer. People are ready to pray with you after each gathering in the loft.
-Worship (meaning any act meant to show love, admiration, and respect for God) and prayer go together. I'm a little biased, of course, but I think worship through music is pretty meaningful. I've heard musical worship described as "prayer set to music." When we sing as a group at our gatherings, that's the goal. And because worship through music is helpful for me, I try to listen to other people's "prayers set to music" on a regular basis, sometimes during my not-so-quiet times :), other times in the car or while doing stuff around the apartment. Of course, music's not the only way we can worship God. Other spiritual disciplines (like fasting, as Aaron's blogged about, or digging into the Bible) or creating art or service or seeking justice for others can all be ways to show God that we love Him. For more ideas, check out this helpful website <http://common.northpoint.org/sacredpathway.html> to get a sense of how you were wired to worship.
-Let the Bible guide your prayers. Prayer is conversation with God, and one of the ways we can hear Him speak is through the Bible. (If you think you're hearing something from God that contradicts the Bible, you're not hearing from God.) Again, there are lots of great resources for learning to understand the Bible (and we are all learning to understand, trust me :), so I won't go into all that either. Incorporate reading the Bible into spending time with God, and see what happens!
All of this is simply to say that there is a God who wants us to spend time with Him, who made us for unending conversation with Him. Let's press on to know Him more deeply.
- Candyce
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Adventures in Fasting
Last Friday, Halloween night, I went out for dessert with my wife - Opera Crème Cake from the Bon Bonerie. Big deal, right? It was a big deal to me because I hadn’t eaten sweets since April (save one pre-planned Breves y Arequipe in Colombia in July and an accidental picked-up-the-wrong cup at TAZA mocha sip in October). So the long-awaited OCC was my first real chocolate experience in six months.
How was it?
It was gross. Way too sweet. So disappointing. I had waited for it for so long, planned it’s arrival into my world for weeks, dreamed of the first taste. But once I actually tasted it, it was a real let down.
Nothing against the cake. It’s hands down the best cake in the city. I think my taste buds were experiencing sugar overload and I had built it up too much in my mind.
Fasting is an interesting practice (emphasis on practice). I’ve been practicing it in various forms for years and still struggle to explain it’s value and meaning when I’m asked.
For me it’s about setting something aside from my everyday life in order to focus more intently on God.
I often fast from food because as an admitted emotional eater (any emotion will do) food is a central source of comfort in my life. For me, the danger in that is that food and drink can often become my go-to-gods. You know the functional gods that offer sanctuary, offer to take your burdens and makes you feel better - at least until the experience fades, the glucose levels drop, and you need that next fix?
So this spring I decided it was time to remove the functional god of sweets for an extended period of time and allow God to step into it’s place.
Surprisingly, I get asked a lot of questions about fasting. People ask me what I learn from it and why I do it. To start, here’s what Jesus said about fasting:
"When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don't make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won't make you a saint. If you 'go into training' inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn't require attention-getting devices. He won't overlook what you are doing; he'll reward you well.”
Matthew 6: 16-18
Jesus assumes we will fast “when you practice...”. But he challenges us to not draw attention to ourselves while we’re fasting. This is difficult. He challenges us in the same way about prayer, giving, and other acts we do, but fasting is especially difficult because your friend has a birthday or a celebration and you have to explain why you’re not eating their cake, or someone spends hours making an amazing dessert and you have to refuse, the staff at Graeters wonders why you don’t return their calls. Was it something they said? So though you try, you inevitably draw attention to the fact that you’re fasting. I’ve found I rarely get through a fast without someone noticing, so I just try to be as simple in my explanation as possible because it really is between me and God, and not make a big production out of it.
What I learned during this fast was simple yet profound - Life’s sweetest moments are shared.
I’m not making that up, as cheesy (or sweet:-) as it might sound. A couple months into the fast I developed this heightened appreciation for the act of being with people. We gather around food. Sometimes while we were having a meal or hanging out with people, I realized that there was a shift in my attention from the act (be it eating, drinking, or whatever) to this overwhelming sense of thankfulness for the shared moment itself. It was pretty cool. And it’s something that I hope to remember now that my taste buds are quickly readjusting to my sugar-filled life. This appreciation for shared moments actually led me to break my fast a day earlier than I had originally planned, just so I could share the moment with Brooke because she was going to be out of town the next day.
Not every fast I’ve done has led to an ‘aha moment’ like this. And I also don’t believe fasting is always about learning something. Sometimes we fast in petition for a cause, or in order to free up resources to give to a need. There are lots of reasons to fast. But when you fast, focus on God. Trust that he won’t overlook what you’re doing.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences with fasting.
-Aaron
How was it?
It was gross. Way too sweet. So disappointing. I had waited for it for so long, planned it’s arrival into my world for weeks, dreamed of the first taste. But once I actually tasted it, it was a real let down.
Nothing against the cake. It’s hands down the best cake in the city. I think my taste buds were experiencing sugar overload and I had built it up too much in my mind.
Fasting is an interesting practice (emphasis on practice). I’ve been practicing it in various forms for years and still struggle to explain it’s value and meaning when I’m asked.
For me it’s about setting something aside from my everyday life in order to focus more intently on God.
I often fast from food because as an admitted emotional eater (any emotion will do) food is a central source of comfort in my life. For me, the danger in that is that food and drink can often become my go-to-gods. You know the functional gods that offer sanctuary, offer to take your burdens and makes you feel better - at least until the experience fades, the glucose levels drop, and you need that next fix?
So this spring I decided it was time to remove the functional god of sweets for an extended period of time and allow God to step into it’s place.
Surprisingly, I get asked a lot of questions about fasting. People ask me what I learn from it and why I do it. To start, here’s what Jesus said about fasting:
"When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don't make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won't make you a saint. If you 'go into training' inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn't require attention-getting devices. He won't overlook what you are doing; he'll reward you well.”
Matthew 6: 16-18
Jesus assumes we will fast “when you practice...”. But he challenges us to not draw attention to ourselves while we’re fasting. This is difficult. He challenges us in the same way about prayer, giving, and other acts we do, but fasting is especially difficult because your friend has a birthday or a celebration and you have to explain why you’re not eating their cake, or someone spends hours making an amazing dessert and you have to refuse, the staff at Graeters wonders why you don’t return their calls. Was it something they said? So though you try, you inevitably draw attention to the fact that you’re fasting. I’ve found I rarely get through a fast without someone noticing, so I just try to be as simple in my explanation as possible because it really is between me and God, and not make a big production out of it.
What I learned during this fast was simple yet profound - Life’s sweetest moments are shared.
I’m not making that up, as cheesy (or sweet:-) as it might sound. A couple months into the fast I developed this heightened appreciation for the act of being with people. We gather around food. Sometimes while we were having a meal or hanging out with people, I realized that there was a shift in my attention from the act (be it eating, drinking, or whatever) to this overwhelming sense of thankfulness for the shared moment itself. It was pretty cool. And it’s something that I hope to remember now that my taste buds are quickly readjusting to my sugar-filled life. This appreciation for shared moments actually led me to break my fast a day earlier than I had originally planned, just so I could share the moment with Brooke because she was going to be out of town the next day.
Not every fast I’ve done has led to an ‘aha moment’ like this. And I also don’t believe fasting is always about learning something. Sometimes we fast in petition for a cause, or in order to free up resources to give to a need. There are lots of reasons to fast. But when you fast, focus on God. Trust that he won’t overlook what you’re doing.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences with fasting.
-Aaron
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Thoughts on Election Day
so i have this habit of praying the Lord's prayer a few times a day. this morning, as i prayed, i thought a bit about the election and stuff, and thought i'd share a few thoughts prompted by that...
*may Your kingdom come. may Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.*
ultimately, our hope isn't in men. (though i certainly hope my man wins today. won't lie. :) our hope is in a King who knows better than i do what this nation (and this world that is so impacted by what happens in this nation) needs. He knows better than barack, better than john, better than joe the senator, better than sarah. He knows better than tina fey, better than seth meyers, better than amy poehler, better than jon stewart, better than steven colbert. He knows better than gwen ifill, better than katie couric, better than any political science professor or economist or community organizer. and as hard as it may be to admit that my idea of what's best may not actually be what's best, God is so much smarter than me. so... may His will be done, even if it's not mine... and may His kingdom advance here, by His Spirit, through His people... that will make a bigger difference than any swinging of political pendulums.
*forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.*
this has been a long (way too long, if you ask me) election season. very hard fought. and in all of that, there have been some ugly moments. nasty, unkind discourse. untruths spoken. (not singling any campaign or ideological perspective out in particular, here.) and so my prayer is that, regardless of the election results, God would bless us with a lot of grace and forgiveness toward each other, that there would be restored unity at least in His church, if not in the rest of the country. my prayer is that we'd quickly be able to set all the crap aside. (so thankful that it will all be over soon...)
so that's my two cents. now, go rock the vote. :)
-Candyce
*may Your kingdom come. may Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.*
ultimately, our hope isn't in men. (though i certainly hope my man wins today. won't lie. :) our hope is in a King who knows better than i do what this nation (and this world that is so impacted by what happens in this nation) needs. He knows better than barack, better than john, better than joe the senator, better than sarah. He knows better than tina fey, better than seth meyers, better than amy poehler, better than jon stewart, better than steven colbert. He knows better than gwen ifill, better than katie couric, better than any political science professor or economist or community organizer. and as hard as it may be to admit that my idea of what's best may not actually be what's best, God is so much smarter than me. so... may His will be done, even if it's not mine... and may His kingdom advance here, by His Spirit, through His people... that will make a bigger difference than any swinging of political pendulums.
*forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.*
this has been a long (way too long, if you ask me) election season. very hard fought. and in all of that, there have been some ugly moments. nasty, unkind discourse. untruths spoken. (not singling any campaign or ideological perspective out in particular, here.) and so my prayer is that, regardless of the election results, God would bless us with a lot of grace and forgiveness toward each other, that there would be restored unity at least in His church, if not in the rest of the country. my prayer is that we'd quickly be able to set all the crap aside. (so thankful that it will all be over soon...)
so that's my two cents. now, go rock the vote. :)
-Candyce
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The Driving Force
"So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment." James 2:12-13
I'm sure I'm not the only one who really gets confused on the balance of the Law and Love. You may hear we are covered in grace, but does this mean we are free to sin? One of my best friends once explained it to me like this: Our relationship with God is like our human relationship with, let's say, your girlfriend/boyfriend or spouse. These unspoken rules are really simple. You will have no other before me (no cheating). You will not take my name in vain (don't be talkin' bad behind my back). Don't lie to me. You get the point...
Our relationships have these "commandments" if you will--although we don't really sit down and carve them in a stone tablet...that would be an odd first date. But it's not like every time you see your significant other, you are always consumed with this idea, "I can't look at other women. Or I can't lie to her--please don't let the next thing I say to her be a lie!!" And then at the end of the day say to her, "I have kept all the commandments, I should get something in return". I promise you, if you do this, you won't have her for long.
Love is our driving force. "I love her so much it doesn't even cross my mind to lie to her. I adore her so I don't even want to think about cheating on her." And so in doing this, my mind is off the commandments and on her. It becomes less about the commandments and everything to do about making her happy and pleasing her.
God is the same way. God doesn't want us dwelling on the commandments when we come to him. We miss the whole point! Every time I dwell on the commandments I usually end up botching it. Secondly, it distracts us from the Infinite. God wants me to fall in love with Him so that the last thing in my mind is doing something that will displease Him. Grace is a wonderful thing, but we miss the whole point when we say, "I'm covered in grace, I'm allowed to do _____". If we say this, then grace becomes the law, which is what Christ came to do away with.
Our purpose is to fix our eyes on Him. To love Him. Love comes first, then comes love, followed by love. Relationships are based on this, not awkward commandment-obsessed-rites. The commandments were meant to protect us, but they aren't the point. We must find ourselves seeking Him. Soon, we'll begin to see that our hearts and thoughts align towards His, and our yoke becomes lighter when our eyes are fixed on the Eternal.
"for whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart; but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty." (2 Cor 3:15-16)
-Eliot
I'm sure I'm not the only one who really gets confused on the balance of the Law and Love. You may hear we are covered in grace, but does this mean we are free to sin? One of my best friends once explained it to me like this: Our relationship with God is like our human relationship with, let's say, your girlfriend/boyfriend or spouse. These unspoken rules are really simple. You will have no other before me (no cheating). You will not take my name in vain (don't be talkin' bad behind my back). Don't lie to me. You get the point...
Our relationships have these "commandments" if you will--although we don't really sit down and carve them in a stone tablet...that would be an odd first date. But it's not like every time you see your significant other, you are always consumed with this idea, "I can't look at other women. Or I can't lie to her--please don't let the next thing I say to her be a lie!!" And then at the end of the day say to her, "I have kept all the commandments, I should get something in return". I promise you, if you do this, you won't have her for long.
Love is our driving force. "I love her so much it doesn't even cross my mind to lie to her. I adore her so I don't even want to think about cheating on her." And so in doing this, my mind is off the commandments and on her. It becomes less about the commandments and everything to do about making her happy and pleasing her.
God is the same way. God doesn't want us dwelling on the commandments when we come to him. We miss the whole point! Every time I dwell on the commandments I usually end up botching it. Secondly, it distracts us from the Infinite. God wants me to fall in love with Him so that the last thing in my mind is doing something that will displease Him. Grace is a wonderful thing, but we miss the whole point when we say, "I'm covered in grace, I'm allowed to do _____". If we say this, then grace becomes the law, which is what Christ came to do away with.
Our purpose is to fix our eyes on Him. To love Him. Love comes first, then comes love, followed by love. Relationships are based on this, not awkward commandment-obsessed-rites. The commandments were meant to protect us, but they aren't the point. We must find ourselves seeking Him. Soon, we'll begin to see that our hearts and thoughts align towards His, and our yoke becomes lighter when our eyes are fixed on the Eternal.
"for whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart; but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty." (2 Cor 3:15-16)
-Eliot
Monday, October 20, 2008
Love's Higher Law
People at D'VINE come from all kinds of spiritual backgrounds, which is great. So you may or may not be able to relate to the little example that follows. But if your background involves being involved with any sort of group of churched teenagers, you've probably witnessed one of life's all time greatest debates: the "how far is too far" debate.
This topic seems to invariably come up in any conversation involving teenagers, faith, and sex. Kids who spend time around church seem to pick up on the idea that you're supposed to save sex for the wedding night. But then they have questions on what else might be okay (I'll leave that to your own imagination).
The folks who ask such questions are likely starting with good intentions, wanting to do the right thing. But it can also betray a skewed perspective that asks, "How much can I get away with here?" Or "What is the absolute bare minimum?" And kids trying to figure out where to draw the line in physical relationships aren't the only ones asking those questions.
In this week's section of Matthew (5:17-20), Jesus starts out by saying He hasn't come to do away with the law but to fulfill it. Jesus was speaking to people who had been living under many laws... The law given to their ancestors through Moses. The law of the oppressive Roman regime. The "extra" law (the Talmud) enforced by their religious leaders, in order to minimize any risk of breaking Mosaic law (with rules about how far you could walk a donkey on the Sabbath before it counted as "work", it was the ultimate in "how far is too far"). That's a heckuvalot of law, if you ask me! People were looking at Jesus and hoping for revolution. Or at least a break...
And Jesus does not offer the sort of break they're looking for. After making a strong campaign pledge not to do away with the law, He goes on to give several examples from Mosaic law and takes them up a notch. The law says not to kill; Jesus says not to harbor anger. The law says not to commit adultery; Jesus says not to lust. (Poor Jimmy Carter was ripped mercilessly by the media back in the day because he confessed to a reporter that he had looked lustfully at someone. What simple times those were...) He finishes the chapter by saying, "In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you." (Matthew 5:48, The Message)
People don't find redemption by sinless living; it's rather impossible! We are saved by grace, the completely unearned favor of God, through the blood of Jesus. However, Jesus didn't shed His blood for us just so we could live however we want. Those who have been ransomed by Jesus now belong to Him and to His kingdom. And we're called to live as Kingdom citizens.
The apostle Paul's letter to the church at Galatia is probably the Bible's most in-depth look at life under grace, as opposed to life under the law. Yet even in Galatians 5, Paul writes, "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Galatians 5:13-14)
As Bono sings in the U2 classic "One", love is the higher law. Followers of Jesus are called away from the sophomoric hair-splitting of "how far is too far" and called to take love to the max. Jesus cuts past the surface of the letter of the law right to the heart of why the law was given, to provide a picture of what a people belonging to God look like. And most importantly, Jesus doesn't just talk about the law, doesn't just tell us what the bare minimum is. He certainly doesn't seek to live out the bare minimum. He fulfills the law. He blesses those who curse Him. He loves those who are unfaithful to Him. He walks the extra mile with us.
What an incredible King... What an incredible example to follow...
-Candyce
This topic seems to invariably come up in any conversation involving teenagers, faith, and sex. Kids who spend time around church seem to pick up on the idea that you're supposed to save sex for the wedding night. But then they have questions on what else might be okay (I'll leave that to your own imagination).
The folks who ask such questions are likely starting with good intentions, wanting to do the right thing. But it can also betray a skewed perspective that asks, "How much can I get away with here?" Or "What is the absolute bare minimum?" And kids trying to figure out where to draw the line in physical relationships aren't the only ones asking those questions.
In this week's section of Matthew (5:17-20), Jesus starts out by saying He hasn't come to do away with the law but to fulfill it. Jesus was speaking to people who had been living under many laws... The law given to their ancestors through Moses. The law of the oppressive Roman regime. The "extra" law (the Talmud) enforced by their religious leaders, in order to minimize any risk of breaking Mosaic law (with rules about how far you could walk a donkey on the Sabbath before it counted as "work", it was the ultimate in "how far is too far"). That's a heckuvalot of law, if you ask me! People were looking at Jesus and hoping for revolution. Or at least a break...
And Jesus does not offer the sort of break they're looking for. After making a strong campaign pledge not to do away with the law, He goes on to give several examples from Mosaic law and takes them up a notch. The law says not to kill; Jesus says not to harbor anger. The law says not to commit adultery; Jesus says not to lust. (Poor Jimmy Carter was ripped mercilessly by the media back in the day because he confessed to a reporter that he had looked lustfully at someone. What simple times those were...) He finishes the chapter by saying, "In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you." (Matthew 5:48, The Message)
People don't find redemption by sinless living; it's rather impossible! We are saved by grace, the completely unearned favor of God, through the blood of Jesus. However, Jesus didn't shed His blood for us just so we could live however we want. Those who have been ransomed by Jesus now belong to Him and to His kingdom. And we're called to live as Kingdom citizens.
The apostle Paul's letter to the church at Galatia is probably the Bible's most in-depth look at life under grace, as opposed to life under the law. Yet even in Galatians 5, Paul writes, "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Galatians 5:13-14)
As Bono sings in the U2 classic "One", love is the higher law. Followers of Jesus are called away from the sophomoric hair-splitting of "how far is too far" and called to take love to the max. Jesus cuts past the surface of the letter of the law right to the heart of why the law was given, to provide a picture of what a people belonging to God look like. And most importantly, Jesus doesn't just talk about the law, doesn't just tell us what the bare minimum is. He certainly doesn't seek to live out the bare minimum. He fulfills the law. He blesses those who curse Him. He loves those who are unfaithful to Him. He walks the extra mile with us.
What an incredible King... What an incredible example to follow...
-Candyce
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